Get rid of thumping aches NOW with these natural remedies to ancient techniques

Making small changes to your lifestyle and looking for natural remedies can reduce thumping pain

When aches and pains strike, the simplest remedy is often to reach for the ibuprofen or paracetamol. And it’s easy to understand why.

Your local shop is much more likely to stock a packet of Anadin than, say, feverfew tea – but by making small changes to your lifestyle and looking out for natural pain-relief alternatives, you will give yourself a head start to better health.

How to help yourself

Eat small, regular meals and snacks throughout the day to keep blood-sugar levels stable. Fluctuating levels can trigger migraines.

If you’re aware of a migraine coming on, drink two or three large glasses of water to keep dehydration – and your headache – at bay.

For a sore throat, mix a crushed clove of garlic in tomato juice and drink regularly throughout the day. The lycopene in tomatoes is what gives them their red colouring and is a natural antioxidant that helps relieve pain.

Some experts recommend taking natural painkillers with caffeine to help improve the absorption of the analgesics.

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Soothe sore feet by rolling them over a bottle of frozen water to reduce swelling.

Add a few drops of tea tree oil and rosemary to a warm bath to ease the symptoms of arthritis and fibromyalgia.

If your eyes are painful because of muscle strain, make your own antiseptic eyewash by adding a pinch of salt to cooled, boiled water. Use a cotton-wool ball to sweep outwards from the inside corner of the eye.

To ease toothache, cut a small piece of onion and chew on the affected area for a few minutes. The onion’s antibacterial properties will dull the pain and reduce inflammation.

Make your own headache-busting temple balm by mixing five-to-seven drops of peppermint oil with one drop of eucalyptus in a base of one tablespoon of quality vegetable oil. Rub it on the pressure points.

Apply a cold compress to any painful areas, as this helps constrict the blood vessels and eases muscle spasms.

Try gentle acupressure. Take your thumb and press it firmly under the base of your skull at the back of your neck for one or two minutes to relieve tension.

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Fluctuating levels can trigger migraines

Natural remedies

Skullcap – has antispasmodic properties and is a natural sedative. It is great for headaches linked to muscular tension.

Feverfew – reduces the frequency and severity of migraines by blocking the release of the prostaglandins that fuel headaches.

Willow – is a natural salicylate and is the active ingredient that gives aspirin its anti-inflammatory powers.

Coenzyme Q10 – derived from the amino acid tyrosine, when taken daily this can reduce the frequency and length of migraines.

Bromelain – helps ease inflammation. It is an enzyme derived from the pineapple plant.

Cramp bark – is good for the treatment of menstrual and muscular cramps, as well as stomach ache.

Capsaicin – the enzyme that makes peppers hot also desensitises nerve endings and, used in a nasal spray, may help ease headaches.

The most common migraine triggers

Tue, July 4, 2017

The most common migraine triggers.

Atrosan – contains devil’s claw, the root of a herb found in the Kalahari Desert. It provides effective relief for backache, arthritis and muscle pain, but is best avoided if you have congestive heart problems, gallstones or peptic ulcers. It costs £9.99 for 30 tablets. See avogel.co.uk.

New Era No 8 Tablets – are fast melting and contain magnesium phosphate, a natural compound beneficial to bone health. They relieve muscle cramps and restless legs, so are great after a strenuous workout, and are effective in treating the pain of fibromyalgia. For 240 tablets, priced £8.49, visit powerhealth.co.uk.

LQ Liquid Health Joint Care – with marine collagen, glucosamine, chondroitin and hyaluronic acid, which all help maintain connective tissue health, an added bonus here is an anti-ageing effect. Take 50ml a day. Available from boots.com, £24.99 for 500ml.

Higher Nature DLPA Complex – contains the amino acid DLPA, which is vital for the nervous system, and astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory and stress-relieving properties. It is good for treating joint and chronic pain, plus chronic fatigue syndrome, as well as being a mood booster. It’s £23.95 for 90 tablets, visit highernature.co.uk.

Atrogel – contains arnica, which has been proven to relieve sprains, bruises, pain from swelling and muscular stiffness. It is particularly useful for treating arthritis in the hands and costs £6.75 for 50ml from avogel.co.uk.

Acupuncture – is based on the Chinese principle that health is determined by your chi – energy flow – and that pain indicates a blockage. By inserting very thin needles at certain points around your body, the production of endorphins is stimulated. This is excellent for the treatment of headaches, migraines and back pain. Studies have shown acupuncture can lead to a reduction in the number of days a person suffers from migraines and the amount of medication they take. To find an accredited teacher, contact The British Acupuncture Council at acupuncture.org.uk or call 020 8735 0400.

Alexander Technique – uses simple movements and exercise to re-educate the mind and body in proper posture, balance and coordination to release pent-up tension. For a qualified practitioner in your area, go to the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique at alexandertechnique.co.uk or call 020 8885 6524.

Biofeedback – combines relaxation techniques with instruments that monitor your responses. This teaches you to consciously regulate a number of automatic functions, including how to avoid the onset of pain. To find a local professional, visit findatherapy.org.

Feldenkrais Method – devised by Moshé Feldenkrais, this has similarities with the

Alexander Technique, but uses stretching, exercise and yoga to ensure proper posture, alignment and movement, often in a group class. Contact The Feldenkrais Guild UK at feldenkrais.co.uk or call 07000 785506.

Shiatsu – has been dubbed acupuncture without the needles and is a Japanese massage that aims to remove blockages in the chi to ease pain and tension.